More Renderings of Planned White House Ballroom Submitted to Fine Arts Panel

The new renderings show the proposed 90,000-square-foot addition from additional angles ahead of a key review meeting.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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More renderings of President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom were submitted in a 31-page report to the Commission of Fine Arts, which is set to meet on Thursday. The report showed the proposed addition in the location of the demolished East Wing from several new angles, including the view from Pennsylvania Avenue. The commission, which was recently reconstituted with new members appointed by Trump, will review the project along with the National Capital Planning Commission.

Why it matters

The White House ballroom project has faced legal challenges, with the National Trust for Historic Preservation suing to stop the $400 million construction. The judge in the case has expressed skepticism about the administration's arguments that the president has the power to build the ballroom with private donations and without express authorization from Congress.

The details

The 31-page report on the White House ballroom project was submitted to the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission ahead of their upcoming meetings. The report included new renderings of the proposed 90,000-square-foot addition in the location of the demolished East Wing, including views from Pennsylvania Avenue. The Commission of Fine Arts was recently reconstituted with new members appointed by Trump, including an architect who previously led the ballroom project, a conservative columnist, and a young White House staffer.

  • The Commission of Fine Arts is set to meet on Thursday, February 19, 2026 to review the project.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission is set to review the project at its March 2026 meeting.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who initiated the White House ballroom construction project.

Commission of Fine Arts

An independent agency formed by Congress to weigh in on major capital-area building projects.

National Capital Planning Commission

One of two panels tasked with reviewing projects in Washington, D.C.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

An organization that has sued to stop the White House ballroom project.

James McCrery

The architect who previously led the ballroom project before being replaced.

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What they’re saying

“She understands the President's vision and appreciation of the arts like very few others, and brings a unique perspective that will serve the Commission well.”

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's lawsuit against the project is expected to issue a decision this month on whether to stop the construction.

The takeaway

The White House ballroom project has faced significant legal and political challenges, with questions raised about the president's authority to build the $400 million addition without Congressional approval. The new renderings and reconstituted review panel suggest the administration is pushing forward, but the ultimate fate of the project remains uncertain.